Thursday, October 23, 2014

A Favorite Bracelet


I was about nine and my sister five the year Gran gave us bracelets for Easter. It made more sense than an Easter basket filled with candy that would be eaten by the next Sunday. The bracelets were alike except for the colors of the stone. Gran gave us our choice, and while reaching for the blue one, my sister squealed for the blue. Knowing the constant admonition to “be a big girl”, I was fully aware of what was coming and just gave in taking the orange stone I was less fond off.

While the bracelets were sterling, the stones were some form of glass. I wore mine forever, through college and into marriage. The stone became rough and pitted. One day I noticed it was cracked. However, the stone continued to hold fast though I was sick about it. I eventually put it away taking it out occasionally to ponder, to remember Gran herself.

A couple of weeks ago, I came across it again. I was amazed I could still wear it. Thankfully Gran had thought ahead and got us bigger bracelets that would grow with us, not tiny baby type pieces. I was still sad to see the broken and abused stone.

But I remembered a jeweler only a few miles away that had impressed me with his work. He repairs, builds, and designs even. He is an artist. He does not like to overcharge so is quite honest about things, refusing to do simple jobs that will take man hours to execute thus costing much. That was his response to this bracelet. Hubby asked about turquoise and there was no way he had a big enough piece. He wasn’t sure he had any stone to fit…was afraid it would be costly…agreed the sterling was worth saving so he said leave it a few days and let him think.

We left it on Wednesday morning and Friday morning he called. I could tell from his voice he was pleased with himself. He had found a piece of turquoise with pyrite in it. Pyrite is a mineral deposit of iron and sulfur giving off a metallic gleam. The charge was less than a dinner out.  I just love it, and though it took fifty years, I got my blue bracelet in the end.


Nice to have a memory back on my arm again!


6 comments:

Rebecca said...

How thrilled you must be! (I wasn't sure.....is the picture of many bracelets or only the one your grandmother gave you?)

Sioux Roslawski said...

The old saying--"Good things come to those who wait"--is apparently true.

I'm glad you have your bracelet back around your wrist. It looks like he did a great job.

Susan said...

Awwwwwww, that was a good story, Bookie. So happy you got your turquoise bracelet. It is a beauty.Susan

Musings, Tea, and Me said...

Isn't it lovely to hold something rich in memories of a dear one who loved you? Your "refresh" of that bracelet is tribute to a bond unbroken by time. Great solution!

Linda O'Connell said...

What a special gift and treasured memory to cherish.

Lisa Ricard Claro said...

How wonderful! I'm so happy for you that you were able to find a suitable stone, and certain your grandmother would be thrilled. It is so lovely to wear things such as this, to remember the loved one from whom it was a gift.